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Tag Archives: orchid

Krohn Conservatory – A Photographic Tour

5 March 201614 September 2024

1 IMG_6526 - Krohn Conservatory

The roads had recently been cleared of snow and I was ready to leave the house to witness this wintery wonderland.  What better place to spend a cold, wintery afternoon than in the warmth of a conservatory?

From home, I arrived at the Krohn Conservatory within twenty minutes.  Bundled up for the cold, I entered the warmer temperatures to a humidity that only comes from the tropics.  It was a wonderful contrast to the bitter freeze outside.

2 IMG_6524 - Butterfly at Krohn's Conservatory

I paid the attendant my admission fee and learned that I had arrived between two exhibits. Having missed the recent Christmas Exhibit, the conservatory was preparing for the Hatching Spring Blooms Spring Show.  Parts of the conservatory were closed during the renovations but I was able to explore The Palm House, Fern House, Desert House and the Orchid House.

I picked up the pamphlet for the self-guided tour and entered the Palm House located directly ahead.

3 IMG_6508 - Krohn Conservatory Fountain, Palm House

Taking the ramp to the right,  I was greeted by palm trees and the soothing sounds of water.  Crossing the bridge,  I walked towards the back of the room where I noticed the waterfall.  The exotic trees surrounding me included the Rubber Tree, Coffee Tree, Banana Tree and the Banyan Tree.  The path led behind the waterfall for a unique perspective and continued on towards the exhibit’s exit.

4 IMG_6517 - Chocolate Tree

Exiting through the handicapped door, to my immediate right was the Fern House,  I was fascinated with the trees named from foods such as the Chocolate Tree, Starfruit Tree, and the Pomegranate Tree.  The unusual Powderpuff Tree bore bright pink blooms that could have easily been found in a Dr. Seuss book.

7 IMG_6527 - Entering the Orchid House Exhibit, Krohn's Conservatory

Because the showroom was closed in preparation for the next exhibit, I exited the main building to reach the Desert House.   I couldn’t help but notice a light snowfall and snow covered trees.   11 IMG_6547 - Crown of Thorns, Desert House

The Madagascar Palm was the first beautiful tree I noticed when I opened the door.  Is it a cactus or is it a palm tree?  An unusual plant, this palm is indigenous to the large island of Madagascar off the coast of southeast Africa.  The arid temperatures were the perfect climate for a variety of cacti that thrive in a humid climate.  Various pieces of artwork from clay sculptures to metal images were strategically placed around the exhibit.

Leaving the Desert House, I was excited to see the intense red blooms growing among thick thorny plants.  The placard identified it as the Crown of Thorns, the  Euphorbia milii.  Referred to as the Christ thorn, these thick spikes were driven into the skull of Jesus during His crucifixion.  I was surprised by the thickness and length of the barbs and could not imagine the pain He must have suffered at the hands of the Romans.

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The final exhibit, the Orchid House is a small, intimate display.  Showcasing a handful of orchids, there were various species of its kind, each unique and beautiful.  Hearty, drooping clusters as well as dainty, fragile exhibits were available in a wide array of color.

14 IMG_6564 - Pitcher Plants

An interesting selection of Carnivorous Plants was also thriving within the Orchid House.  The Pitcher Plant was one of the most unusual of species, similar to the Venus Flytrap.  In fact, they attract, trap and digest their prey, both in the similar manners.  Because of its bright colors and sweet nectar, the Pitcher Plant lures insects into its chamber where they are then digested at the bottom.

As I made my way towards the exit, I couldn’t help but think about the movie, “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Waiting for one of these meat-eating plants to bloom into a life sized human eating machine, I planned my way of escape and happy to be alive.

Are you looking for local attractions and educational opportunities to visit in Ohio during the winter season?  I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit if you would kindly leave your suggestions in the comments below!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Krohn Conservatory
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 5707

  • Admission Fee:  Admission for adults is $7, for youth $4 (ages 5 – 17) and children 4 and under are free.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM, closed on Mondays. Special hours on December 18 – 23:  10AM to 7:30PM; December 24: 10AM to 5PM and December 25: 10AM to 2PM
  • Amenities:  rainforest, desert, butterfly show, seasonal exhibits, special educational programs
  • Scenic View: Interesting plants and exhibits
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There may be an additional fee for exhibits in addition to admission.   The holidays are the best time to visit for the decorated displays.

Where to Stay:

Renaissance Cincinnati Hotel
36 E. 4th Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 333 0000

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 621 3666

During my recent visit, I started out with the jalapeno ravioli, which was spicy and delicious.  Depending on my mood, I will either order the grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak or the grilled Mahi Mahi which are both served over wild rice with peppers and onions.

Teak Thai Cuisine
1051 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 665 9800

UPDATE:  This restaurant is now closed.

What to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 2337

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Exhibit A IMG_6502

Coming from the westside of Cincinnati from 50, heading east

Exhibit B IMG_6503

Driving through downtown Cincinnati, heading towards Eden Park
Exhibit C IMG_6515 Krohn Conservatory Statue, Palm House

The African Statue at the Krohn Conservatory

6 IMG_6528

The Outside Snowy View from Krohn Conservatory

Exhibit D IMG_6540 - Desert House

The Desert House
Exhibit E IMG_6560 - Orchids at the Orchid House

 The Orchid House
Exhibit F IMG_6572

The View of the Ohio River from Eden Park

 Exhibit G IMG_6573

A View of Covington, Kentucky and the Ohio River from Eden Park

 Are you looking for local attractions and educational opportunities to visit in Ohio during the winter season?  I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit if you would kindly leave your suggestions in the comments below!  Happy Travels!

8 IMG_6530 - Madagascar Palm

The Madagascar Palm

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The Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio

21 May 201531 August 2024

Updated October 8, 2018

The winter months are a perfect time to visit local museums and conservatories.  For a warm, colorful break from the dreary cold, explore the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio.  Starting in January, the conservatory displays hundreds of orchids and tropical plants that will momentarily transport you to the balmy islands of the southern hemisphere.   The conservatory will be flooded with the invasion of exotic flowers from all over the world and is a welcome getaway within the city of Columbus, Ohio.

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Exotic Orchid Display

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Delicate Butterfly Collecting Nectar

Shortly after the Orchid Exhibit, the Franklin Park Conservatory will host the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit where the butterflies, after having been held captive in their cocoon, will emerge from their pupa as a new creature.  The artwork of nature is displayed in the wings of the butterfly and is unique in each species, from its color to its design.  The exhibit begins mid- March and will continue on through the summer until mid-September when the last of the butterflies are released into the wild.

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The Exceptional Artistic Talent of Dale Chiluly

Permanent art collections are on display at the conservatory which includes the colorful works of Dale Chiluly, a world renowned artist of glass.   The items exhibited throughout the venue were purchased from Chiluly’s exposition in 2003.  The whimsical characteristics of each piece as well as the unique, vibrant shades of color make each design a masterpiece of artistic expression.

Franklin Park Conservatory hosts several exhibitions throughout the year and upcoming events are posted on their website.  Over the fall, there were four exhibitions in the month of October to include “Field” and “Bonsai Display” open until November 14, 2015 and “Topiaries at the Conservatory” and “Harvest Blooms” lasted until October 25, 2015.   In addition, the venue schedules a wide variety of classes, outreach programs and special events for both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Organizations.    The conservatory’s hours are 10am to 9pm, closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  General Admission, ages 13 – 59, is $14 per person.  Seniors 60 years of age and older are $11 while children between the ages of 3 – 12 may enter for $7 per child. Members and children 2 and under are admitted at no charge.  Check out the Conservatory’s  website for the most updated information on the sponsored events.

For a list of camps, classes, outreach and school programs, visit the Education & Programs tab on the Franklin Park’s Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s website.

The conservatory’s Botanica Giftshop and Greenhouse offers unique merchandise and exclusive gifts, including plants and children’s items.  The giftshop is open from 10am to 9pm daily.

The Garden Café is open weekdays from 11am to 3pm with weekend hours from 11am to 4pm.  The Food Truck is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm.  Garden Café’s menu offers made from scratch sandwiches, salads and soups (Garden Cafe only) as well as baked goods and snacks.  In addition to soft drinks, coffee and tea, beer and wine are also available.

Please note that the information provided here is subject to change, so refer to Franklin Park Conservatory’s website for the most up to date information or call them directly at 614 715 8000.

So the next time you are looking for something to do and want to stay warm indoors, stop by the conservatory for the opportunity to experience nature year around.

I would love to hear about your favorite museum, theater or conservatory that you enjoy visiting in the winter months.  Please leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite venue! Many thanks for reading about my therapeutic experience at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone: 614 715 8000

  • Admission Fee:  $18 per person (ages 13 – 59); $15 for Seniors (60+); $11 for children 3 – 12); Members and children under 2 are FREE
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas);  Garden Café:  11AM – 3PM (Monday – Friday) and 11AM – 4PM on weekends;  Botanica Gift Shop:  10AM – 5PM  Check the Franklin Park and Conservatory website for the hours of operation of the John F. Wolfe Palm House
  • Amenities:  gift shop, café, conservatory map, special events and educational programs
  • Guided Tours and Conservatory Map:  Guided Tours are available for groups of 15 or more.  Map available online or at the conservatory
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours and an additional 1 hour if you intend to enjoy lunch
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Check the conservatory’s website for special events such as the Butterfly Exhibit and Orchids.  During the summer, the conservatory hosts a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.

Where to Stay:

The Lofts Hotel
55 E. Nationwide Blvd.
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone:  614 461 2663

Where to Eat:

The Garden Cafe, inside Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43215
Telephone:  614 715 8130

Salad, sandwiches and soups are made from local, seasonal ingredients grown at the conservatory. Save room for delicious desserts and homemade pastries.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Additional Photos

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Beautiful Butterfly, 7.17.13

Black and White Butterfly 2013

Butterfly

Butterfly at Conservatory, July 2013

Cool Close up of Butterfly, July 2013

Camoflauge Butterfly with beautiful background, 2013

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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